The King is mildly mentally retarded. At least in relation to the demands on a regent, and to contemporary standards. The royal physician is a man of the enlightment and implement far-reaching liberal reforms through his influence over the king. And the nobility is expelled from power, all well so far. But the doctor and the queen fall in love and have a child. Through the newly established freedom in press the nobles win the simple people against the sinful, and order is restored. This seems to be a fairly accurate description of a period in Danish history, giving extra weight to the movie.

Mads Mikkelsen is impressive with emotional acting of perfect details. How he delivers short lines and react to others is the best I’ve seen in a long time. Then there are two Swedes in leading roles – Alicia Vikander and David Dencik – with a Danish accent I cannot judge but with very good appearence. I’ve had a hard time with Vikander in the past but am pleased here. There is nothing wrong in the craft, indeed it’s well done and fine. No creative highlights but neither any objections.